Tag Archives: Sultan Jessa

President Barack Obama pledged finance facilities worth $4-billion during his historic visit to India, the world’s largest democracy. He is the only US president to visit India twice. Obama was also the chief guest at India’s Republic Day parade. This is one of the biggest honors that India can bestow on a foreign leader. The…

EDITOR’S NOTE: Retired Ismaili journalist just returned from a visit to Brazil, Argentina and Peru which also included a trip to Machu Picchu, the fabled “City in the Sky.” This is Sultan’s last feature on Peru with several photographs. Earlier features on Argentina is here, and Brazil here. Click here for all stories. Peru is…

The country has experienced boom and bust cycles in the past Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA – Story & Photographs by Sultan Jessa: Often dubbed as the “Paris of South America,” this bustling city is a mosaic as varied and diverse as its culture. It is no doubt the cultural and artistic centre of South America. Buenos…

EDITOR’S NOTE: Retired Ismaili journalist just returned from a visit to Brazil, Argentina and Peru which also included a trip to Machu Picchu, the fabled “City in the Sky.” Sultan Jessa is sharing his experiences with readers of the Ismailimail. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY SULTAN JESSA Rio de Janeiro – BRAZIL: The very mention of…

The international community has suddenly woken to Ebola outbreak which has become a global threat. Until recently, this deadly disease was mostly Africa’s problem. But, now the World Health Organization (WHO) and even the American President Barack Obama and many other world leaders have acknowledged there has to be a concerted and effective war to…

His dream lives on. Yes, I am referring to the true Canadian hero Terry Fox. “Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me.” These famous words belonged to Fox, when he was raising funds across Canada for cancer research. He wanted not only his dream but…

EDWARDS: Ontario – More than 800 Ismailis from Ottawa, Kingston, Montreal and other areas attended Ottawa’s annual Jamati picnic at Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane farm here on Sunday. The crowds, made up of young and old, joined in communal feasting, fun, games, and traditional dandiya raas. Bashir Surani, president of the Aga Khan District Council…

The great television event in the form of the World Cup Soccer in Brazil is now underway. The 2010 event was the most viewed soccer event. According to reports, 3.2 million watched 64 matches last time. This time also 64 matches will be played at 12 World Cup venues across Brazil. The World Cup’s first…

Sidney Poitier was the first African ­American to win the prestigious and the most sought after Academy Award. He won the Best Actor award for his role in “Lilies of the Field” in 1964. Fifty years later, Poitier made the grand appearance with famed actress Angelina Jolie to present the best director award for “Gravity”…

The controversial question of assisted dying was first raised in Quebec more than four years ago. And before that there were rumblings of euthanasia in the country but Ottawa ignored this. After numerous discussions, public hearings and media and public campaigns, Quebec, Canada’s second largest province, is ready to lead the way. Euthanasia and assisted…

BY SULTAN JESSA BURNABY (British Columbia) – Canada: A prominent businessman who went on to serve as a Member of Tanzania’s Parliament and also as the Deputy Mayor of Moshi passed away recently. Mohamedali Natha Hirji – more affectionately known as the “Renaissance Man” – would have turned 88 in June. He is survived by…

A retired journalist living in Montreal is seeking help from former students of H.H the Aga Khan’s Boys’ Secondary School in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Sultan Jessa, who studied at the school in Dar es Salaam, launched a school magazine called “The Scholars’ Digest.” “Unfortunately, I did not keep any editions of the magazine and…

The 22nd Winter Olympics at Sochi, east of the Black Sea, will officially end next week. Despite all the bad publicity prior to the most expensive games ever, Russia put on an excellent show. The opening ceremony was a grand television spectacle, one of the best I have seen in many years. The games cost…

The eyes of the world will be focused on the much-publicized 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, next month. The host country is trying its best to make sure this world event is staged without any mishaps. But, already two suicide bombings in as many days have killed more than 30 people and raised concerns…

Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland Struggle hard to boost global tourism Although Europe’s tourism is still enjoying good health, the competition is getting fierce. According to the 2013 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), Switzerland, Germany and Austria lead the world in terms of travel and tourism competitiveness. Seven other countries in the top 10 were…

Britain enjoys increase in tourism, France and Belgium also trying to boost domestic tourism! Story and pictures by SULTAN JESSA LONDON: Great Britain, once a mighty and powerful empire with numerous colonies in many parts of the world, is gradually recovering from the decline brought about by the recession and uncertain economic conditions. Click here…

Brazil is getting ready for the much-anticipated 2014 World Cup soccer. This South American country is hoping all six of its stadiums under construction will be ready before the deadline of December 31. According to the FIFA president Sepp Blatter the Sao Paulo stadium, where a crane collapsed killing two workers, may not be ready…

South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela, who was a global icon and also a mythical figure, is gone. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate died at the age of 95 after spending more than three months at a hospital and at his home with recurring lung infection. “Our nation has lost its greatest son,” President Jacob Zuma announced on South African…

Nelson Mandela, the former leader of independent South Africa, was the first foreign head of state to receive the Order of Canada in 1998. The African leader died a few days ago after a long illness at the age of 95. Mandela was also granted honourary Canadian citizenship. This is a rare honour shared by…

Canada’s national brand continues to wither on the world stage. A few weeks ago, Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in New York but skipped the opportunity to address the United Nations General Assembly. Most of the world leaders took advantage of this golden opportunity. Now the prime minister has made it clear he will…

A new report by the United Nations blames humans for global warming but cautions it is not too late to stop the warming trend. Top international scientists also warns humans and governments are most crucial is change is to take place. In recent years, there have been conflicting reports on global warming. Some scientists say…

September 19, 2013 The brave Pakistani school girl, Malala Yousafzai s, who survived a Taliban assassination attempt on her life last year, was recently honored with the Children’s Peace Prize for her exceptional work in promoting education for girls in his troubled homeland. The 16-year-old accepted the prize in the historical Knights’ Hall in The…

via http://www.cornwallseawaynews.com – Is global warming for real? More and more people are wondering if recent disasters around the world are linked to global warming. Of late, there have been news reports of extreme heat and uncontrollable forest fires and extraordinary downpours resulting in unexpected flooding likes what was experienced in some parts of Alberta.…

Things are slowly but surely returning to normal in Calgary after devastating and record-breaking floods. Bravo to Calgary for pressing on and putting on a fine and world-class Stampede that attracted visitors and tourists from around Canada and the world. What a show! The Stampede did indeed go on “come hell or high water.” It also proves…

Via sikhpoint.com – Turban ban on soccer fields was stupid. First it was Hijabgate which was followed by Pastagate. And the latest controversy was flamed by Turbangate. It kept the media in Quebec busy. What is next? I am sure they will soon come up with another ridiculous controversy to distract people from corruption scandals,…

Unless immediate and drastic measures are taken, India’s rapidly expanding tourism industry faces danger of being destroyed by escalating incidents of gang rapes. Time is gone for debates on mistreatment of females on what should be done to rectify the situation. It is time for real action. And Indian judicial authorities must be extremely tough with incidents of…

Sultan Jessa for Cornwall Seaway News Canada: There is growing cynicism among Canadians about politicians. And the situation is expected to get worse rather than better. How can you blame Canadians when they are bombarded with reports of scandals at federal, provincial and municipal level? First it was the Senate expense scandal that enveloped the…

Hundreds, including many from Montreal, attended Ottawa’s annual Jamati picnic at Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm in Edwards, Ont. On Sunday. The crowds were slightly down compared to previous years because of uncertain weather forecast. But, despite this, Bashir Surani, president of the Aga Khan District Council of Ottawa, said everyone seemed to have a…

World renowned English soccer player David Beckham has hanged up his boots. He thus ended a glorious career in soccer. Beckham, whose curling free kicks, good looks and celebrity marriage, made him an international hero recognized throughout the world. He became the highest paid player and his fortune is estimated at more than $250 million. The…